European Forum Alpbach 2016: Fireside Talk with Yanis Varoufakis

In this compelling live episode, former Greek Finance Minister
Yanis Varoufakis delivers a provocative and
unfiltered talk on the disintegration of the European Union,
drawing stark historical parallels with the 1930s. Speaking with
urgency and clarity, Varoufakis dissects the structural flaws of
the Eurozone, critiques EU leadership, and explains how economic
imbalances fuel political fragmentation across the continent.


He introduces DiEM25 (Democracy in Europe Movement
2025) — a grassroots, transnational movement aimed at
radical democratic reform of EU institutions. With sharp insights
into monetary policy, public debt, and fiscal disunity, he offers
a visionary yet pragmatic alternative: a European New Deal.


Topics include:




The Euro’s flawed architecture and parallels with the gold
standard




Why the 2008 crisis exposed the EU’s structural weaknesses




The politics of scapegoating and the rise of nationalism




DiEM25’s plans to democratize Europe without changing
treaties




The urgent need for grassroots action and cross-border
solidarity




Whether you're an economist, activist, or concerned citizen, this
episode challenges conventional wisdom and calls for a bold
rethinking of Europe’s political and economic future.


Recorded live with Q&A — candid, unscripted, and deeply
relevant.


Photo Credit: Markus A. Langer